Taking Action: Entertainment Companies Pledge Millions to Social Justice Organizations in Wake of George Floyd Tragedy.

Doing Their Part.

In the aftermath of the horrendous death of George Floyd, entertainment and media companies across the country have pledged millions of dollars to social justice organizations and announced measures to address social inequality.

Disney pledged $5 million to support nonprofits organizations advancing social justice, starting with an immediate $2 million donation to the NAACP. Disney executive leadership also released a joint statement saying that the company plans “to compassionately and constructively talk” about matters of social justice in the future.

Meanwhile, Warner Music Group and the Blavatnik Family Foundation announced a $100-million fund to support social justice groups that combat violence and racism. The two organizations will appoint an advisory panel to identify groups that promote “equality, opportunity, diversity and inclusion,” according to a joint statement.

Smaller media companies are also stepping up and donating where they can. J.J. Abram’s production company Bad Robot pledged $10 million over five years to social justice groups, such as Equal Justice Initiative and the Black Futures Lab. Indie movie production company A24 tweeted its plans to donate $500,000 to Black Lives Matter and National Bail Out.

Other companies, such as Participant Media and Gersh, announced programs in which they would match any employee donation. Netflix, which already implemented a similar program, increased their donation matching to 200 percent.

Tech companies have also pledged strong financial support in the wake of the killing. YouTube pledged $1 million to the Center for Policing Equity. While both Facebook and Amazon have promised to each donate $10 million to various social justice organizations.

Along with the monetary donations, many companies have promised to implement diversity programs and elevate the voices of people of color. ViacomCBS has made plans for regular virtual company meetings to address systemic racism and implicit bias. Talent agency CAA promoted sports executive Lisa Joseph Metelus, an African American women, to the company’s executive board on Monday.

What do you think? Are entertainment companies doing enough to address social inequality?

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